Nissan Motors has created a legacy with its Z-car lineup of sports cars. The Z-car family of vehicles began in 1969 with the 240Z (AKA Fairlady Z in Japan) and has maintained its success with the current 370Z model. Now in its sixth generation of the sports car, Nissan has pushed the envelope of technological advancement with each successive model.

The all-new 370Z incorporates outstanding advancements in both mechanical and electronic features alike. Powered by the 3.7-liter VQ37VHR dual-over-head-cam V6 engine, the 370Z generates an impressive 332 horsepower (at the flywheel) in stock form. This abundance of power is made possible by utilizing Nissan’s Variable Valve and Lift Control technology (VVEL). Nissan’s VVEL variable valve timing technology allows the VQ37 engine to be more efficient while improving response and power output at higher RPMs.

In order to harness the power of the 370Z’s V6 engine, Nissan invested particular attention to the 370Z’s power delivery system. To transfer the power to the rear wheels, Nissan couples the powerful engine to either a 7-speed automatic transmission with paddle shifters, or a 6-speed manual transmission that features the first ever synchronized downshift rev-match system.

To match up to the VQ37’s dual throttle bodies, the 41-1001P is comprised of dual mandrel-bent aluminum inlet tubes. Each highly polished 2.75-inch inlet tube originates at the throttle body and routes to the left and right wheel wells. It is in the wheel wells that DryFlow performance air filters are mounted to each inlet tube. The oil-free DryFlow technology is very durable and easy to clean. To take the filtration properties of the DryFlow performance air filter even further, AEM offers Filter Wraps that are manufactured from durable micro-screen materials that are pretreated with a proprietary hydrophobic process. AEM filter wraps repel water splashes and extend the filters service life. For the 41-1001P air intake system, AEM Filter Wraps are available as a separate accessory (part number 1-4000).

In order to clear enough space for the DryFlow air filters, AEM includes a custom designed windshield washer fluid reservoir with each 41-1001P air intake system. Each 370Z air intake system also includes two pre-programmed ETI modules. Both of the 370Z’s Mass Air Flow (MAF) sensors plug directly into an included ETI module, which are specifically programmed to read the proper air density data. The result is more horsepower and torque gains.

In the case of the 370Z, the VQ37 engine responded well to AEM’s ETI technology. The 41-1001P cold air intake systems improve the 370Z’s power output from the stock baseline of 241 hp to a peak of 250 hp with the intake installed. In addition to enhancing the peak horsepower performance, a maximum gain of 9.67 horsepower was also recorded at 7,100 RPM during AEM’s testing. As seen on the dyno graph, a vast improvement is made from 6,600 RPM until the VQ37’s redline.

As the successor to the Scion xA, the Scion xD had to be bigger and better than ever before. Not only did it need to have head-turning looks, it also had to deliver more power and keep up with the latest technology in audio equipment. To accomplish these tasks, Scion completely restyled the xD inside and out, gave it a bigger more-powerful engine, and even designed a lineup of tuner-friendly accessories for the five-door subcompact.

Straight from the factory, the redesigned xD comes standard with power windows, doors and mirrors. It’s given a choice of three premium audio systems made by Pioneer, all with six speakers and iPod interfaces. To top it off, the xD is powered by the 2ZR-FE dual overhead cam 1.8-liter engine that packs 128 horsepower and 125 lb/ft of torque.

As it sits from the factory, the xD is a step up from the previous xA model. For enthusiasts that desire to take the xD’s performance yet to another level, AEM is right there to help. Custom engineered for the 2008 and 2009 Scion xD, AEM has released a cold air intake system using the latest in ETI Technology (part number 41-1404). The 41-1404 air induction system features a one-piece mandrel bent aluminum inlet pipe coupled to an AEM DRYFLOW performance air filter to deliver the best combination of increased horsepower and reduced restriction. The cold air intake design routes the inlet pipe from the engine’s throttle body to an opening in the driver’s side wheel well for the best source of cool air inlet temperatures. In addition to the high-quality construction and fitment, AEM offers this xD air intake system in two finishes. The 41-1404P features a highly polished finish, while the 41-1404C has a deep gunmetal gray finish.

To maximize the horsepower gains of the xD’s 1.8-liter engine, AEM chose to utilize the newest in Electronically Tuned Intake (ETI) technology. By using an ETI system, the optimal intake tube diameter could be used for maximum airflow to the throttle body. AEM’s ETI intake systems are designed to electronically manipulate the vehicle’s MAF sensor readings. With the optimal inlet tube diameter combined with the preprogrammed ETI module (included), AEM extracted a maximum horsepower gain of 6.67 horsepower at 4,900 RPM. This increase in horsepower translated into a peak of 107 wheel horsepower with the 41-1404 intake system installed.

The 41-1404 Cold Air Intake System for the Scion xD uses a 21-201DK DRYFLOW Performance air filter. The 21-201DK has a 2.5-inch (63mm) inlet diameter and a height of 5.125-inches (130mm) allowing abundant airflow into the 2ZR-FE engine. The oil-free DRYFLOW technology is extremely durable and easy to clean. To further augment the filtration properties of the DRYFLOW performance filter, AEM also offers DRYFLOW Pre-Filters (Part number 1-4000 for the 41-1404 series of intakes). Designed to prevent splashes of water and/or mud from saturating the air filter, AEM Pre-filters are manufactured from durable micro-screen materials that are pretreated with a proprietary hydrophobic process. In addition, the AEM DRYFLOW Pre-filters also extend the service life of the air filter but add very little restriction to the airflow.

The stylish Scion tC has been attracting the attention of drivers since its introduction in 2005. Any driver looking for a compact car with good fuel mileage and stylish interior that is packed with an abundance of features should look into the Scion tC. The newer models from 2008 to 2010 have brought some needed improvements in the exterior and interior design. The addition of the iPod interface was also a nice touch. Although the Scion tC is a great buy for your money, the 2.4 liter four-cylinder engine is not very powerful.

This cold air intake incorporates AEM’s ETI module which electronically adjusts the tC’s MAF sensor to properly read air density. The result is an intake system that works with factory electronics and provides large horsepower and torque gains. The 41-1401C completely replaces the Scion tC’s restrictive factory intake system with a gunmetal gray aluminum cold air intake. This cold air intake connects at the engine throttle body and places the air filter at the driver side wheel well. This ensures the delivery of cooler outside air to the engine.

Designed, tuned and dyno-tested to fit the 2008, 2009 and 2010 Scion tC, tests show the 41-1401C has an increase of 9 horsepower at 6400 rpm. Installation is relatively simple and is accomplished using basic tools. All AEM air intakes come with a limited lifetime warranty.